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An important feature of English culture is, of course, politeness. If you’ve ever visited England, you’ve probably noticed the way the English say, Please, Thank you, Pardon me, Sorry and Excuse me absolutely all the time.

You may also notice that people hold the door open for the person coming after them, whether or not they know that person. The English are also the best queuers in Europe. If you look at an English bus stop, you will be amazed as to how well-organised the queue is!

Do you feel it is stuffy to be polite? That showing other people common courtesy is old-fashioned? That having manners is snobbish? Then think about the purpose of politeness – to put others at ease and show consideration. Polite phrases like “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me” make living in a society easier. Watch the butcher as he alternates between being polite and impolite to his customer.

Politeness in English

English speakers are generally known for their politeness. One of the biggest blunders Scandinavians make when they talk to English speakers is being too brusque and direct. Although we Norwegians have a lot in common with, say, Britons, North Americans, and New Zealanders, we tend to forget the value they place on being polite - even in casual conversation.

Greetings

Among foreigners who come to this country, the Norwegian habit of not greeting people is notorious. Whether they are from America, Africa or Asia, they are taken aback when they experience in Norway that people seem to look right through them. In any other culture, this is totally unacceptable.

Discuss

In which of the following situations should you say hello, and in which situations can you just drop the greeting and pretend the person is not there?

When you meet a friend or acquaintance on the street and he or she is with someone you do not know. (Do you greet the stranger?)When you go into a shop. (Do you say hello to the shop employee?)When you meet friends of friends at a small party or social gathering. (Do you greet your friends’ friends?)When you go to a friend’s house and meet their parents. (Do you greet the parents?)

Language

1. Which of the following is not a common greeting in English?

Hello.(It’s) nice to meet you.(I am) pleased to meet you.(It’s) good to meet you.(It’s been) nice seeing you.How do you do

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